Top 40 Bird Species Most in Need of Help

When you are feeding wild birds today spare a thought for the endangered species.

The article below by the RSPB reveals the top 40 bird species in the UK most in need of help

Male hawfinch - Steve Round

More and more bird species are facing an uncertain future. The RSPB has today [Monday 4 October, 2010] identified the top 100 species in the UK that most need help to maintain their status. Forty of these have been prioritised for immediate action by the RSPB, but the society is today asking for help from government, industry, other charities and the public to provide a future for these birds.

Read the article here at The RSPB website

Posh Bird House

Here is something to brighten up your day when you are feeding wild birds

A bright and colourful bird house

Details here at A Calander of Colurs Blog

Golden Sparrows

Feeding Wild Birds

Just read an interesting article about Golden Sparrows.

I have never seen any here in England but they are apparently closely related to the common House Sparrow.

They are so pretty too.

Hailing from Northern and Eastern Africa, Golden Sparrows are closely related to the ubiquitous House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), and indeed have hybridized with this species in captivity.  Female Golden Sparrows resemble their common, somberly-clad relatives somewhat in color.

Read the full article here: The Care and Breeding of The Golden Sparrow

Knitted Pigeon

Feeding Wild Birds

This little chap wouldn't take much feeding!

This stuffed pigeon from Various Projects is hand-knit from alpaca wool-- a soft, cuddly version of New York's native street bird.

You can see it at Various Projects

Well I think it's funny!

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Feeding Wild Birds

Hummingbirds are a great favourite and the video below shows a female ruby throated hummingbird.

You can hear the humming sound that her wings make.

Enjoy!

128 Days of Hummingbirds

Feeding Wild Birds

Hummingbirds are so lovely but where I live in the United Kingdom we do not see them.

In the article below, the author talks about how long the hummingbirds stay in her back yard and how long they are away in their winter home.

As much as I keep track of the arrival and departure dates of hummingbirds, I never really stopped to figure out the length of time hummingbirds are present in my yard and how long they're in their winter home.  What I found surprised me.

Read more here at the Zen Birdfeeder

Do Birds Sunbathe?

On a hot sunny day when I have been in the garden feeding wild birds, I have often seen birds just laying on the lawn with their wings stretched out.

The first time I saw a bird laying out on the lawn, I thought it was dead. But then I saw it move.

Below is an article that explains why birds sunbathe.

Bird sunning is a relatively common behavior, but the exact reasons why birds sunbathe vary. It can help get rid of feather parasites, regulate body temperature or dry off after a bath. Some birds even seem to sunbathe just because they enjoy it! Bluebirds, titmice, doves and other species regularly sunbathe, and birders can help the birds stay safe while sunning by keeping cats indoors and providing a good location for sunning.

Read more here: http://birding.about.com/b/2010/09/20/mailbag-monday-bird-sunning.htm